Port Adelaide have extended coach Ken Hinkley’s contract by two years, cementing their stunning AFL success.

The new deal will take Hinkley through to the end of the 2018 season.

Hinkley’s arrival at Alberton had an uncertain start – the selection process was drawn out, Port were in dire trouble and he was labelled the last man standing.

At his first media conference, Hinkley retorted he was maybe the best man standing.

Port hired him on a four-year deal and the former Geelong and Gold Coast assistant was as good as his word, making an immediate impression.

After the Power finished 14th in 2012, they were fifth in 2013 and last year lost their preliminary final to Hawthorn by only three points.

One of the modern AFL’s most-dramatic club turnarounds has them widely tipped to contend for this year’s premiership.

Hinkley said the decision to extend his contract was easy.

“I can’t imagine myself coaching another football club,” Hinkley said in a club statement.

“I’ve only been here two seasons, but it feels like I’ve been part of the Port Adelaide Football Club forever.

“This football club is as committed to me as I am to them.

“From the time I arrived at the club … all the key leaders at the club made a decision that we were going to go a certain way and we would stick together on that path.”

Hinkley added his wife Donna and their three children were settled in Adelaide and they had bought a house.

Club chief executive Keith Thomas said they were thrilled Hinkley and his family had made a long-term commitment.

“AFL football is a tough game, and coaching at the highest level can be brutal,” Thomas said.

“Ken has helped us understand the importance of staying the journey as a club.

“His advice from the outset was simple – put the right people in place, give them the resources they need to succeed and back them to the hilt.

“I’m glad we were listening.”

Port open their season with an away match on Easter Sunday against Fremantle.